BCCI meets Sena chief for a trouble free IPL 3

Former BCCI president Sharad Pawar, along with his successor Shashank Manohar, met Bal Thackeray at his residence to ask for a trouble free IPL 3.

Written by Press Trust of India

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Mumbai:

Former BCCI president Sharad Pawar, along with his successor Shashank Manohar, met Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray at his residence on Sunday to ask for a trouble free IPL 3.

The Union Agriculture Minister was here as the president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association to request Thackeray to allow Australian cricketers to play in the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Shiv Sena had said that to protest the attacks on Indians in Australia they would not allow any Aussie players to play in the League. The Cricket administrators reportedly asked for the party's cooperation to make the event a success and to keep politics away from sports

"We tried to convince him that it is not the entire Australian team which is coming and some teams have a few players from Australia. He was considerate to hear our request," Shashank Manohar said.

Earlier this month, Home Minister P Chidambaram had spoken on the subject after the Shiv Sena threat. Rejecting their stand, he had said all security will be provided to the Australian players and the matches would take place in Mumbai.

"We reject the thesis of Shiv Sena or MNS. Mumbai belongs to all of India. I am sure the Maharashtra Government is capable of handling it. Let the Pakistani and Australians play in India. I guarantee them security," said the Home Minister.

However, Shiv Sena said on Monday it would take a final call on the issue in two-three days.

"Thackeray would take a final call on the issue of Australian players in two-three days," Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said on Monday.